SUKESADA: A RARE ITTOBORI YEW WOOD NETSUKE OF A CROUCHING FROG

SUKESADA: A RARE ITTOBORI YEW WOOD NETSUKE OF A CROUCHING FROG

By Tsuda Sukesada (1857-1920), signed Sukesada 亮貞
Japan, Takayama, Hida Province, late 19th to early 20th century, Meiji period (1868-1912)

The crouching amphibian carved from ichii (yew) wood and worked in the ittobori (single cut) technique, the two-toned wood cleverly utilized, and the eyes inlaid in dark horn. Two himotoshi underneath and signed SUKESADA.

LENGTH 4.9 cm

Condition: Very good condition with typical wear and traces of use including some tiny nicks and surface scratches.

The composition is reminiscent of the early 20th century cubism art movement pioneered by Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque, who were heavily influenced by Japanese art.

Auction comparison:
Compare a closely related ittobori ichii wood netsuke of a frog by the artist's great grandfather, signed Matsuda Sukenaga (1800-1871), at Zacke, Fine Japanese Art, 16 June 2023, Vienna, lot 344 (sold for EUR 7,150).